“It don’t take any,” said Dennis. “It’s only fair play we’re afther.”
He was gone again before Peter could say anything. The next instant, the enrolling officer rose and spoke.
“Are there any more to be enrolled?” he called. No one came forward, so after a moment he said: “Will the meeting choose a presiding officer?”
“Mr. Chairman,” rang two voices so quickly that they in truth cut the presiding officer off in his suggestion.
“Mr. Muldoon,” said that officer.
“Oi spoke first,” shouted Dennis, and Peter felt that he had, and that he was not having fair play.
Instantly a wave of protest, denials, charges, and counter-charges swept through the room, Peter thought there was going to be a fight, but the position was too critical to waste a moment on what Dennis styled “a diversion.” It was business, not pleasure, just then.
“Mr. Muldoon,” said the officer again, not heeding the tempest in the least.
“Mr. Chairman,” shouted Muldoon, “I am proud to nominate Justice Gallagher, the pride of the bar, for chairman of this distinguished meeting, and I move to make his election unanimous.”
“Misther Chairman,” shouted Dennis.